OK, I see a lot of threads here asking if this stripped lower or that stripped lower are any good. What I want to know is (1) Does the manufacturer really matter and (2) who should a builder stay away from (who make shitty lowers)?

I don't know of any shotty new production lowers. I've heard bad things about cast lowers. I've used RRA, Bushy, Oly and I have 3 forged EA on the way. Haven't had a problem with anything I've used thus far.

If you can't beat them, join them. Then beat them.If that doesn't work, arrange to have them beaten.